Registering Your Child

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Registration

This overview of registration requirements is also provided in the Guidebook for Parents, available for elementary, middle and high school families.

Age Requirement

Children who reach their fifth birthday on or before Sept. 30 may enter kindergarten.

Registration begins Feb. 1 for the following school year.

There is no deadline for registration; however, parents are encouraged to register early.

All registration and health requirements must be met for a child to be admitted.

Kindergarten is recommended, but not required by law. However, you must inform the school system in writing if you decide not to register your child. If your child will be six years old by Sept. 30, Virginia Law requires you to enroll your child in school. Please send your correspondence to the Director of Elementary Education and Early Childhood Pre-K Programs Wendy Pilch in the Office of Early Childhood at 2110 Washington Blvd. Arlington, VA 22204.

Where to Register

The process of registration is done in person (by the parent or legal guardian). Electronic documents are not accepted.

If your child speaks a language other than English as his/her first language, or has been attending an educational system abroad, register your child by contacting the Language Services Registration Center at 703-228-7663.

In all other cases, register at your neighborhood school or at the school where your child has been admitted. The searchable boundary locator can be used to determine your child’s neighborhood school for this school year.

Documentation Needed to Register Your Child

Proof of the child’s age and legal name –a birth certificate. If the parent/guardian cannot provide a birth certificate, an Affidavit must be completed. APS has the right to forward a copy of the Affidavit to its law enforcement agency.

Proof that the parent or legal guardian of the student lives in Arlington County:

A current lease signed by lessor and lessee or tenant and landlord to show that the parent/guardian resides in Arlington County; or

A deed, deed of trust or mortgage agreement showing that the parent/guardian owns a home and resides in Arlington County (mortgage statements are not accepted as proof of residency); or

Official school records from another school system or country, if applicable and available

Medical information that includes immunization records as well as a physical examination and a tuberculosis screening done within the 12 months prior to starting school (See Health Requirements below.)

Tuberculosis Screening Certificate completed within the 12 months prior to school entry is required. This documentation must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or local health department official. The documentation must include verification of a negative risk assessment or the results of a tuberculin skin test (TST) done within the prior 12 months. The original documentation must be submitted to the child’s school.

If your child will need medications or special procedures during school, you may visit the Arlington County School Health webpage for additional forms, including a Medication Authorization Form and a Severe Allergy Care Plan.

Questions can be answered by the nurse at each Arlington school or by the school health office at 703-228-1626 or 1653.